Bring these documents on the day you open your account

Most banks need two things from you: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers the first. For the second, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — something dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. Some banks will also accept a government benefits letter or a piece of mail from your employer.

You will also need to bring money to deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by bank — some ask for $25, others for $100 or more. A few banks have no minimum at all. Call ahead or check the bank's website to find out what that bank requires, so you do not show up unprepared.

If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will ask for it to set up your account and report interest you earn. Write it down beforehand if you are worried about forgetting it — you do not need to memorize it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and a recent bill or lease showing your current address.
  • Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready, and bring the minimum opening deposit the bank requires.
  • Call your bank before you go to confirm what documents they accept and what the minimum deposit is.
  • If you do not have a traditional address, ask the bank whether it accepts mail from a shelter, PO box, or employer.

What counts as proof of identity

A driver's license is the easiest option because it has your photo, signature, and address all in one place. A state ID card works the same way. If you do not drive, a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work.

Some banks will accept a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport if you are new to the country. A few will take a state-issued ID even if it is expired, though most prefer it to be current. If you have none of these, call the bank and ask what they can work with — some have other options, though they are less common.

What counts as proof of address

The bank wants to know you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — dated within the last 60 days is the standard. A lease or mortgage statement works just as well. So does a property tax bill or homeowners insurance statement.

If you do not have any of those, other documents can work: a bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter (like unemployment or Social Security), a paycheck stub with your address on it, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead. Some banks accept mail from a homeless shelter or transitional housing program if that is your current address. A few will take a PO box address if you explain that you do not have a permanent residence yet.

The key is that the document must have your name and address on it, and it must be recent — usually within 60 days. If you are unsure whether something will work, call the bank's customer service line before you go in.

If you do not have a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can get an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. The process takes several weeks.

Some banks will open an account while you are waiting for your ITIN, as long as you have applied for one and can show proof of the process. Others will not. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use will work with you during this time.

Opening an account online instead of in person

Many banks now let you open a checking account entirely online. The process is usually faster — sometimes you can start using the account the same day. You will still need to provide the same information: a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Online banks typically ask you to upload photos of your documents using your phone or computer. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the document. Some banks will also ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions about your past — things like previous addresses or accounts you have held.

If you open an account online, you will not receive a debit card when ready. Most banks mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. Some offer a temporary digital card you can use right away while you wait for the physical one to arrive.

What to bring if you are opening a joint account

If you and another person are opening an account together, both of you need to be present (in person or online) and both need to bring the same documents: photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will ask both of you to sign the paperwork.

Joint accounts let both people withdraw money and make decisions about the account. Make sure you trust the other person completely, because they have full access to all the money in the account. Some couples or family members use joint accounts; others prefer separate accounts and transfer money as needed.

Bringing documents from another country

If you are new to the United States and your ID is from another country, most banks will accept it as long as it is a government-issued photo ID. A passport is the easiest because banks recognize it everywhere. Some banks also accept a national ID card from your home country.

For proof of address, a lease or utility bill works the same way whether it is from the U.S. or abroad — the bank just needs to see your name and current address. If you have just arrived and do not have a U.S. address yet, ask the bank whether it will accept a temporary address like a hotel or the address of a friend or family member you are staying with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a photo ID?

Most banks require a photo ID, but a few will work with you if you do not have one. Call the bank directly and explain your situation. Some may ask for additional documents or may require you to come in with someone who can vouch for you, though this is uncommon.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring both your ID and a recent bill or lease showing your current address. The bank will use the bill or lease as your official address for the account. You do not need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring original documents or are copies okay?

If you are opening an account in person, bring the originals so the bank can see them. If you are opening online, you will upload photos or scans. The bank will not ask you to mail in originals unless something looks unclear in the photo.

What if I do not have the minimum opening deposit right now?

Some banks have no minimum deposit requirement at all. Others let you open the account with a smaller amount and deposit more later. Call the bank and ask whether they can work with you, or look for a bank that does not require a minimum.

Can someone else bring my documents and open an account for me?

No. Banks require you to be present in person or to open the account yourself online. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. You cannot authorize someone else to do it for you.